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Immediate Release

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Rep. Mark Takai

 I was saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Mark Takai. Congressman Takai served the people of Hawaii and the nation from the state capitol in Honolulu ,to the halls of Congress, to the deserts of Kuwait, where he served as an Army National Guardsman.  As a National Guard officer, he served with distinction for 17 years, almost to the day. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he vigorously promoted the interests of our nation and the men and women of our military. On behalf of the department, I offer our condolences to his wife, Sami, his family and the people of Hawaii.